The battle-ships steamed past, and took up a position whence they could neither see the Russian vessels nor be seen by them. Depending on high-angle fire from their twelve-inch guns, they sent shell after shell into the town and harbour, the effect of their shots being signalled by wireless telegraphy from the cruiser squadron stationed round the point. The bombardment lasted for nearly four hours, during which several outbreaks of fire were seen in the town, and a distant explosion announced that a magazine had been blown up. There was but little reply from the Russians, and about two o’clock Admiral Togo, having accomplished his immediate purpose, retired, accompanied by the cruiser and destroyer squadrons. Two hours later Yamaguchi was signalled to go aboard the flagship. It was blowing hard at the time, and seas were sweeping the deck of the _Kasumi_, tossing her about, and rendering the launching of her boat a matter of no little difficulty. By the time the little lieutenant reached the _Mikasa_ he must have been drenched through and through. "Well," said Bob, when he returned, "are you promoted again?" "No; but you are." "What do you mean?" "The admiral has remembered you, that’s all. This morning, being forgotten, you were at zero; you may be soon at boiling-point. I am to put you on board the _Yoshino_—if I can." "Ugh! it won’t be a dry passage. If you can, you say?" "Yes; I am ordered to the mouth of the Yalu, and shall drop you on the way, if I can do so without losing time." "In a hurry, then?" But Yamaguchi made no reply. He was telephoning to the engine-room. In a few minutes the _Kasumi_ was slugging through the sea, half-speed ahead, in a north-easterly direction. The wind increased to half a gale; huge seas broke continually with thud and swish over the vessel, and Bob did not relish the prospect of the swamping he must undergo if he were to reach the _Yoshino’s_ side. He was overjoyed when he saw that the distance between the destroyer and the cruiser squadron was increasing instead of diminishing. Yamaguchi had clearly given up the idea of putting him aboard the _Yoshino_. From his manner Bob had already guessed that the expedition on which he was now speeding was one of some importance, and when at length the lieutenant turned to him and said, laconically, "Can’t waste time over you", his pulse leapt at the thought that he was still to remain on the _Kasumi_ and share in whatever adventure there might be in store. *CHAPTER VIII* *Cut Off* Secret Service—Yamaguchi Returns—A Quick Change—A Bleak Ride—On the Trail